Rita was born and raised in the U.S.-Mexico border region of San Diego County and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She served in the Washington, D.C. office of Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), who at the time represented California’s only border district. She worked closely on immigration and border issues as a press aide and special assistant. Rita later worked in the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as Associate Director of Immigrant Affairs, helping lead major programs and initiatives to support immigrant and refugee communities in Los Angeles. More recently, Rita served as Executive Director of the City of San Diego’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, an office created by Mayor Todd Gloria to advance San Diego’s welcoming policies. She also served as Director of Global Affairs for Mayor Gloria, overseeing subnational diplomacy issues.